KDS

I just got an 04 CL55 a few weks ago and it now has 500 miles on it. From the begining it seemed to me that between 60-80 MPH the steering wheel vibrates like the wheels are out of balance. It seems to peak at about 68 MPH. It is slight but annoying, I just expected better from a car of this price. I brought it to the dealer and they test drove it twice and said it was normal. I continued to complain so they tested drove it a third time with me. They stated that this was normal performance and that the 55 had a harder ride than the CL 500 and I was just feeling the road. It is the same with sport mode on or off. I still think they are wrong and I am considering going to get the wheels balanced on my own.

I was wondering if any of you other owners could comment if this is typical of the CL55. Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

awiner

They are full of BS... Either you have an improper balance or a tire/wheel problem is the cause.

The first thing the dealer should do it check the balance of each tire using a computer controlled high speed balaning machine with a load balance. Also these high end machines can check the runout of the tires to see if a bad tire is to blame.

KDS

Do you think an independent tire dealers balance machine would be as good as the Benz dealers. Balancing is pretty cheap and it might be just easier to pay then to fight with the dealer.

KDS

Awiner, by the way, I see you are in So Cal. I am in San diego, what dealer do you use?

awiner

I'm located North of Los Angeles.

Find a tire shop with a Hunter GSP9700 or GSP9600 Road Force Measurement System / Wheel Balancer.

The GSP9700 provides a tire assembly “road test” while mounted on the unit. Locates and eliminates virtually every cause of wheel vibration relating to the tire and rim. Features StraightTrak LFM which eliminates tire-related pull problems by balancing lateral forces on the front axle.

There are more than a few shops up here that use these machines and they are quite popular with the higher end tire/wheel shops.

For more info about these machines see http://128.242.141.111/pub/features/StraightTrak.cfm

Most of the local Mercedes dealers around here have one of these two machines, therefore I assume many Mercedes dealers use them as well.

KDS

Awiner, thank you for the great response. I will try to find someone with the machine you suggested.